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Multigenerational living—once considered a niche segment of the market—has become one of the most influential shifts in today’s housing landscape. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 17% of homebuyers in 2024 purchased a multigenerational property, the highest level ever recorded. Just a few years ago, that figure hovered around 11%. This remarkable increase reflects more than economics; it speaks to changing family dynamics, evolving lifestyle priorities, and a renewed emphasis on connection, comfort, and long‑term planning.
And while multigenerational living spans every price point, the luxury market is embracing it in meaningful, highly intentional ways.
Who’s Driving the Trend?
Multigenerational households are not monolithic. They represent a wide spectrum of lifestyles—from families caring for aging parents to adult children returning home, to extended families choosing to live together out of cultural preference or convenience.
Today’s most active buyers include:
Gen X (45–59):
This generation leads the movement, with approximately 21% choosing multigenerational homes. Many are balancing the needs of aging parents while supporting children transitioning into adulthood.
Baby Boomers:
Roughly 15% continue to prioritize these homes, motivated by caregiving roles, health considerations, and lifestyle preferences.
Younger Buyers:
Millennials are also participating (about 12% for ages 35–44), often driven by rising costs and the appeal of shared resources.
Affordability plays a role—36% of multigenerational buyers cite cost savings as their primary motivation—but in the luxury sector, the conversation shifts. High‑net‑worth buyers are seeking architecturally thoughtful, lifestyle‑focused spaces that allow multiple generations to live together comfortably without compromising privacy, design, or elevated living.
What Luxury Multigenerational Buyers Want
Luxury buyers aren’t simply looking for more square footage; they’re looking for purpose‑driven design that adapts to the way today’s families live.
Flexible Layouts with Distinct Living Zones
Separate wings, private entrances, in‑law suites, and ADUs offer the balance of connectivity and independence that multigenerational families value.
Open, Elevated Common Spaces
Grand kitchens, high ceilings, and expansive living areas remain central, complemented by intimate retreats where each generation can recharge.
Work‑and‑Life Versatility
Hybrid work, remote learning, and diverse lifestyle patterns require adaptable spaces—offices, media rooms, creative studios, and multifunctional zones that evolve with the household.
Wellness, Accessibility & Aging‑in‑Place Features
Elevators, wide hallways, spa‑inspired suites, and thoughtfully designed outdoor areas appeal both to aging family members and to younger generations seeking wellness‑centered living.
Privacy Paired With Shared Luxury Amenities
Multiple living rooms, separate outdoor spaces, and guest suites help families coexist with ease—an essential component at the luxury tier.
How Luxury Agents Can Best Serve Multigenerational Buyers
As demand accelerates, agents must be prepared to take a more consultative, lifestyle‑driven approach.
Ask Deeper Questions Early
Beyond price and bedroom count, ask how the family functions.
Who needs proximity? Who needs privacy? Are caregiving roles likely to evolve?
Understanding this allows for far more accurate matchmaking between buyer and property.
Guide Clients Through Functional Layouts
Be fluent in the nuances of ADUs, multigenerational wings, dual kitchens, and separate‑entrance casitas. Walk clients through how each space may support different generations.
Emphasize Value Beyond the Purchase
These buyers are not just acquiring real estate—they are making a strategic investment in family, lifestyle, and legacy. Highlight adaptability, long‑term flexibility, and thoughtful design.
Collaborate With Lenders and Tax Professionals
Intergenerational purchases can involve unique financing structures and estate planning considerations. Connecting clients with the right experts early builds trust and clarity.
Advocate for Future‑Focused Planning
Features like aging‑in‑place design, long‑term accessibility, and generational transition planning elevate an agent’s role from salesperson to strategic advisor.
Market Outlook: Continued Growth
Multigenerational living is not a passing trend—it is a structural shift.
Purchases have risen from 11% to 17% in recent years, and nearly 30% of prospective buyers say they are considering a multigenerational home in the future.
In the luxury market, developers and homeowners alike are responding with architectural plans that emphasize flexibility, independence within the household, and lifestyle fluidity. What was once considered a niche need has become a defining feature—and a competitive advantage—in today’s premium real estate landscape.
